Cannabis usage nowadays remains one of the most controversial topics in the United States. Despite the fact that more than 20 states have already legalized it, there are plenty of problems people may encounter in case they store it or even consume it, e.g., having to go through drug testing at work or before employment etc.
However, scientific research shows that marijuana can be applied to treat certain number of conditions or relieve pain in case of serious or even terminal diseases like cancer. Also, its use for recreational purposes with all the necessary precautions (like maintaining small dosage and infrequent consumption) sometimes brings desirable positive effect while doing no serious harm to one’s health. Here we collect some important info about where and how cannabis is being used now.
Use of cannabis for medical purposes
Marijuana is classified as Schedule 1 controlled substance. Though FDA has not approved its use as medicine, some studies have shown that chemicals called cannabinoids that marijuana contains, can treat severe pain and alleviate such conditions as reduced appetite, nausea, muscle disfunctions, multiple sclerosis.
Therefore, these research results have led to creation of two FDA-approved medicines, Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone). Though its painkilling effect has proven to be quite effective, medical community remains skeptical about whether or not to further allow its use as a treatment for more conditions. Also, there are not enough studies yet to show its long-term effects on people’s health, as well as proof of its safety for patients with not extremely serious diseases. Mostly it is seen as the last resort in relieving state of patients with terminal diseases or among those whose health won’t be damaged more with prescription of cannabis based medicine rather than its non-prescription.
Also, as medical marijuana is quite a new thing in modern medicine, there is no confidence about its effect on elderly people or people with poor health. Some scientists believe that older patients having cancer or AIDS may be particularly susceptible to its harmful effects.
Use of cannabis for recreational purposes
Nowadays marijuana is the most consumed recreational drug around the world. It provides relaxing effect on one’s nervous system and regulates the level of dopamine, acting like an anti-depressant.
There is no proven safe dosage of marijuana both in medical and recreational spheres. However, it is known that if consumed at a regular pace and in big doses, it seriously disturbs nervous system’s balance, resulting into powerful hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, breathing problems and weakening of immune system etc. Even when prescribed for medical reasons, it is recommended to increase dosage gradually and bear in mind that certain side-effects will still occur. In case of overdose it is vital to find a doctor. One may distinguish overdose if there is fatigue, psychological instability, coordination problems etc.
However, if one will carefully consider the amount and frequency of marijuana usage, it will be possible to minimize numerous harmful effects on one’s system. But the thing is that it still with high likeability can lead to addiction. Therefore, despite some pleasant minutes and feeling pot smoking may bring, it is extremely important for marijuana consumers to pay attention to their health, consumption habits and behavior in order to not to miss the moment when one may unwillingly cross the line.
0 Comments